If you’ve been considering switching to an electric vehicle (EV), one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
As a general guide:
Charging at home typically costs between £4 and £16 for around 200 miles of range
Public rapid charging can cost £30–£65 for a large battery to 80%
Below, we break down exactly how these figures are calculated.
What Are Electric Car Chargers And How Do They Work?
Electric car chargers are the devices you will use to charge your electric car, like a fuel pump for your electric car.
There are three main types:
Slow charging – Using a standard 3-pin plug socket, providing around 2kW of power, and can sometimes take over 12 hours for a full charge. These usually come with your vehicle and can allow you to charge at home.
Fast charging – This provides more power than a standard socket and can charge your car in around 4-8 hours. This is the preferred method; many people install fast charging in their homes and plug their EVs in at home for cheap charging.
Rapid charging – The fastest charging solution, providing up to 50kW of power and can charge an electric car in around 30 minutes. These public chargers are often found at motorway service stations and workplaces. This is the most expensive form of charging.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
Home charging is usually the cheapest way to run an EV.
The average UK electricity price is around 28p per kWh, though dedicated EV tariffs can drop to 7–10p per kWh overnight.
Example Calculation
Let’s assume:
Your EV averages 3.5 miles per kWh
You drive 200 miles
Your electricity rate is 28p per kWh
200 miles ÷ 3.5 = 57 kWh
57 × £0.28 = £15.96
If you’re on an off-peak EV tariff at 7.5p per kWh:
57 × £0.075 = £4.27
This is why many EV drivers choose specific EV energy tariffs.
In our own offices at Fleet Evolution, most employees who charge at home on off-peak tariffs report spending around £30–£40 per month on electricity for commuting.
A 3-pin electric car charger works by transferring electricity from the mains to your car’s battery. You plug one charger end into your car and the other into a power socket, either at home or in public.
The battery is then filled with electricity, giving you the power to drive your vehicle for several hours. With the average UK electricity price increasing, slow home chargers are increasing in popularity due to their affordability.
| Battery Size | Home Charging (28p/kWh) | Off-Peak Tariff (7.5p/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 40kWh | £11.20 | £3.00 |
| 60kWh | £16.80 | £4.50 |
| 80kWh | £22.40 | £6.00 |
| 100kWh | £28.00 | £7.50 |
If you would really like to, you could charge for free. Many workplaces offer free charging, and so do some supermarkets. If you have a scheme with us and have had 5 vehicles ordered, you might be eligible for a free workplace charger
Employers Introducing the Scheme
Employees Going Green
The Cost To Charge An Electric Car At A Public Charging Station (Rapid Charger)
Rapid chargers are the most expensive option in the UK right now, and for the biggest batteries, it could cost over £60 to charge them to 80% (higher than 80% is not recommended for battery health). These public charging stations are expensive; however, they are very quick, and we generally only suggest using them if you have no other method to charge because other methods are cheaper.
Additional Benefits of Electric Cars:
Electric cars have many more benefits than just being cost-effective. Let’s take a look at them:
Less Maintenance:
EVs require much less maintenance than standard cars, as there are fewer moving parts. This is because fewer components can wear out or need repair, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Tax Benefits:
Electric cars are eligible for tax benefits, including reduced road and company car tax. This lowers the ownership cost and helps reduce your overall running costs.
Environmentally Friendly
EVs are emissions-free, meaning they produce no pollutants or harmful gases. This can help reduce air pollution and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Government Grants and Schemes (fleet):
If you’re looking to purchase an electric car, the government offers grants and schemes for businesses and individuals. These can cover anything from a contribution towards half the cost of the vehicle or even the installation of charging points in your home. Company cars are making the switch to electric, with fleet schemes now in place to encourage businesses and fuel savings.
Here at Fleet Evolution, we’re the UK’s number one electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme provider. If you’re interested in finding out more, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Electric cars are much quieter than standard vehicles, helping to reduce noise pollution in cities and towns. This is great for those close to main roads, car parks, or busy areas. This would be great for the wildlife!
In our offices, the majority of us have EVs and charge at home, saving us both time and money as we can wake up to a fully charged vehicle instead of having to go to the fuel station and spend time fueling. Those who don’t have access to a home charger charge in the office, so when they go home, they’re EVs are fully charged. This saves us loads every month on fuel costs!
Overall, electric cars can have significant benefits to both your wallet and the environment. We hope this article has given you some insight into how an electric car charger works. If you’re looking to make the switch to electric, get in contact with us today!
You’ll be helping to save the planet and your wallet.💰
FAQs
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Fleet Evolution offers innovative salary sacrifice schemes, helping employers and employees save on costs while promoting eco-friendly electric cars. Enjoy easy setup, free maintenance, and swift activation for any company size.